Working toward self-determination for the West Papuan people

Papua, the Highest Population Growth in the World. Indigenous Peoples of Papua are threatened

August 8, 2012

Jayapura, (8/5)—In 2010, the population of Papua province was 2,833,381
people (1). 735,629 people (25.96 percent) is scattered in urban areas and
2,097,752 people (74.04 percent) scattered in remote areas. While in the
province of West Papua, the population was 760,422 peoples (2). 227 763 people
(29.95 percent) lives in urban areas and 532,659 people (70.05 percent) lives
in the remote areas. The total population throughout the Land of Papua in 2010
was 760,422 + 2,833,381 = 3,593,823 peoples.

Besides indigenous populations, the population in a region is also determined
by the migration (outsiders and insiders). The migration process itself is
categorized into two categories, Risen Migration and Lifetime Migration.

Is the population in Papua is growing significantly? Especially the Indigenous
population that be fathomed starting to become a minority.

In the province of Papua, the migrant population continues to increase every
year. Results SP2010 (The Population Cencus year 2010) recorded 125,213
residents or 5.0 percent of the population was Risen Migrant inter
districts/cities. The percentage of Risen Migrants into urban areas was 11.5
percent and in the remote areas was 2.7 percent. Number of male migrant
workers was greater than female, 70,877 versus 54,336 people. So, the sex ratio
of Risen Migrants is 130. These data support the theory : Migrants in urban
areas are greater than migrants in remote area and more men who make placement.
The largest percentage of migrants in the province of Papua was in Jayapura and
the smallest was in the district of Central Mamberamo.

In West Papua province, the situation was not different. Risen Migrant’s
population continue to increase over time. Results of SP2010 recorded 69,732
people or 10.5 percent of the population was Risen Migrants who moving between
districts/cities in West Papua. The percentage of Risen Migrants in urban areas
was 1.4 greater than in the remote areas, respectively by 13.1 and 9.3 per
cent. The number of male migrant workers are also greater than female, 40,348
versus 29,384 people. In this province, the largest percentage of migrants was
in the district of Sorong and the smallest was inTambrauw.

While the Lifetime migrants in the Papua province according to the SP2010
recorded 600,709 peoples or 21.2 percent was the Lifetime Migrants of
inter-district/city. The percentage of Lifetime migrants in urban area was 1.9
greater than in the remote areas, respectively by 53.2 and 10.0 percent. The
number of male (337,577) migrant workers more than female (263,132). Largest
percentage of Lifetime migrants was in Jayapura and the smallest was in the
district of Central Mamberamo.

In the province of West Papua, based on the SP2010 recorded 291,233 peoples, or
38.3 percent was the Lifetime Migrants who move inter-district/city. The
percentage of migrants in urban areas was 52.3 percent and in remote areas was
32.3 percent. The number of male Lifetime Migrant workers more than female, is
about 160,750 versus 130,483 people. The percentage of largest Lifetime
Migrants was in Sorong and and the smallest was in the district of Tambrauw.

These data from BPS (Central Bureau of Statistic) in these two provinces not
able to determine the population of Indigenous and migrant populations. But one
thing is certain, the growth population in Papua is the highest in Indonesia,
even in the world. As was stated by the Head of Central Bureau of Statistics of
Papua Province, Djarot Soetanto, "In the last ten years (2000-2010) Population
Growth Rate (LPP) in Papua is the highest in Indonesia, could even say the
highest in the world." (3)

The average of LPP of Papua province reached 5.55 percent per year, where the
National LPP only 1.49 percent per year. Although BPS Papua could not be sure
what is the main reason of the high rate of population growth, but the Head of
BPS Papua ensures that one of the important indicators is the high rate of
people who come to Papua.(Jubi/Victor Mambor)